From Sfchronicle · · 1m 50s
Why 86-Year-Old Bob Siegel Built San Francisco's Walking City
86-year-old Bob Siegel created San Francisco's 17-mile Crosstown Trail after retiring from City College, sparking a walking revolution.
In brief
86-year-old Bob Siegel created San Francisco's 17-mile Crosstown Trail after retiring from City College, sparking a walking revolution. Bob Siegel, 86, founded San Francisco's 17-mile Crosstown Trail in 2019, which has become a global walking phenomenon with over 100,000 annual users. Originally reported by…
Bob Siegel's First Rule
Stop asking permission to build trails.
“I said, 'Well, the city’s not going to do this,'”
Crosstown Trail Launch
The 17-mile trail bisects San Francisco diagonally from Candlestick Point to Lands End, launched in 2019.
No Signs, No Staff
The trail has no signs and no paid staff, costing less than two Warriors tickets.
AllTrails Reviews
It has twice as many AllTrails reviews as the Golden Gate Bridge hike.
2024 Double Cross
The 15-mile Double Cross launched in 2024 from Fort Funston to Pier 23.
2024 Roundabout Loop
The 38-mile Roundabout loop began in 2024 along San Francisco's perimeter.
Walktober Event
Walktober offers hill climbs, art walks, pub crawls and history tours for all walkers.
86-Year-Old Teacher
Siegel, 86, retired from City College in 2003 and started building trails.
No Hiking Boots Needed
Walkers need only shoes and a baseball cap, not hiking boots or wide-brimmed hats.
2003 Retirement
Siegel retired from City College in 2003 with unflagging energy and free time.
Land Negotiations
Siegel negotiated with seven land managers who had different rules.
No Physical Signs
The trail uses apps and maps instead of physical signs.
Presidio Officials Respond
Presidio officials were thrilled by Siegel's approach.
“I said, 'We’re coming through the Presidio Trust, and I just wanted to let you know,'”
Coffee Meetings
Siegel invites potential walkers for coffee to build connections.
Walktober Success
Walktober has hundreds of participants discovering neighborhoods and parks.
2027 Plans
Siegel expects more walkers by 2027, continuing his trail work.
The essence
Bob Siegel, 86, founded San Francisco's 17-mile Crosstown Trail in 2019, which has become a global walking phenomenon with over 100,000 annual users.
